Proper Blackjack Strategy

With the proper blackjack strategy, the house advantage on
the game can be reduced to nearly zero. The strategy isn’t too
difficult to learn but you’ll probably want to practice it at
home on the computer before trying it out at a live casino.

The strategy card listed below will help you make the right
decision every single time. In the beginning you’ll have to
refer to this card often but eventually the decisions will come
to you naturally. Certain patterns will emerge and before you
know it, you’ll know what to do in every situation without
thinking about it.

Blackjack strategy has been perfected over the years thanks
to a close mathematical analysis of the game. Everything from
the odds of certain hands being drawn to the odds of going bust
when drawing have been calculated in order to determine the best
possible move in every scenario.

The thing to remember about blackjack strategy is that
nothing is guaranteed. Sometimes you’ll win while using this
strategy and sometimes you’ll lose. The house still has a slight
advantage but if you use this strategy, you’ll win more often
than you would have otherwise.

Blackjack Strategy Card

The vertical column on the left represents your hand total
and the horizontal column along the top represents the dealer’s
up-card. Find where your hand and the dealer’s hand intersect
and then follow the advice listed in the box.

This strategy card was created specifically for games in
which the dealer stands on soft 17. That rule is the best one
for the players so it’s the one we recommend you play when given
the choice.

Five Card Charlie Strategy

Some casinos have a special rule that gives players an
automatic win if they are able to achieve a five card hand
without going over 21 points. Some of these casinos even pay a
bonus to players who catch Five Card Charlies. If you play at a
game that uses the Five Card Charlie Rule, keep these points in
mind.

When to Hit

You have 3 cards that total to 12 or less

You have 4 cards that total 15 or less

You have a soft 12 – 17

Any time you have 4 cards with an ace

You have a soft 18 and the dealer is showing 9, Ten or
Ace

You have 4 cards that total 16 and the dealer is showing
anything but a 4,5 or 6

You have a soft 18 with three cards and the dealer is
showing 2-8

Information was gathered from
http://www.canaffco.com/blackjack_articles/mastering-five-card-charlie.php
to assist in the Five Card Charlie Strategy section on this
page.